Page 53 of Power Shift

She starts setting everything down on the table around Jasper’s tinfoil container. The smell of ham, potatoes, and mac and cheese fills the air, ramping up the grumble in my stomach.

“Why didn’t you ask me for help with this, Daph?” Landon’s father scolds lightly, disappearing out of the dining room, more than likely in search of more food.

Mrs. Montgomery rolls her eyes. “Such a busybody, that man.”

“You deserve the help,” Landon says, his voice low.

“If I had someone help me with everything I did, I’d grow bored. Taking care of all of you is what makes me happy.”

Landon’s smile is genuine, bigger than I’ve seen it in weeks. “I know.”

“Well, dig in. Your father will only find fresh rolls and vegetables left in that kitchen. Everything else is already here for you. There are no bonus points for waiting any longer,” she says with a wave of her hand.

“Fine. But only if you sit and dish up first,” Landon barters.

While reluctant, she does as he says and makes a show of digging the big metal spoon into the potatoes to take a heavyhelping that she probably won’t end up finishing. Only once she’s plopped it onto her plate do the rest of us follow suit.

Landon nods to himself, content with the knowledge that she’s taken care of before he’s filling his plate. His care for his stepmom is reassuring to see after watching him be so void of emotion the past couple of weeks. The overprotective, caregiving alpha that we’ve all grown to know and love is still in there, just buried beneath secrets I need him to spill.

The dinner this weekend that we’ve yet to tell him about may very well be our best chance to do just that. All we’ve got to do now is break the news to him that the omega he’s so dead set on ignoring exists is coming over, whether he likes it or not.

Goody.

18

BRIAR

Clover bobson her rolling stool while typing away on the computer. The notes she’s taking range from everything to Sadie’s everyday pregnancy symptoms to an overview of what she wants for a birthing plan. This is our third meeting together but the first where we’re starting to nail down every detail needed to ensure the best delivery possible. She could go into labour any day now.

“How intensive is the restraining order?” Clover asks.

Sadie pats her thighs anxiously. She appears a bit less nervous today than in the previous meetings, but there’s still an edge to her that I want to smooth.

“It’s strict no contact. No personal visits or even a text message.”

“In that case, we’ll have extra security monitoring the clinic before, during, and after delivery. Our medical staff here is incredible, so I don’t want you to worry about your care at all. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to have Briar, myself, and one of our labour nurses in the room during the birth. Then, once you and baby are cleared to go home, we’ll continue providing as manyvisits and checkups as you wish to have for as long as you need them. Do you have anyone to help you at home?”

Sadie stares at Clover, cheeks tinted pink. The glassy look in her eyes calls to my omega, causing me to reach for the hand on her thigh. I take it in both of mine and squeeze.

“That sounds okay. The three of you, I mean. And my mom may come down to help. I’ve asked a few times,” she murmurs.

Clover swallows the anger flashing across her face. “If she’s unable to come, I do encourage you to reach out to us. We can work out a visit routine for the first few months until baby is a bit easier to handle on your own. Our home nurses are some of the best in the country.”

“I’m always available as well. Anytime you need me, just call. You’re not alone in this. Being a new parent is one of the most challenging moments in our lives, and while I don’t have any children of my own, I’ve been privy to quite a few other omegas’ parenthood journeys. It can feel very intimidating and isolating, but we’re here to remind you that you have us at your disposal. That’s what Harbour of Hope is all about,” I say, keeping my voice soft but firm enough to get my point across.

“Thank you. That’s . . . that’s very generous,” Sadie breathes out.

Clover pushes closer to us on her stool and crosses a leg over her knee. “I know this most likely isn’t a topic you want to discuss, but we do need to give the security team we’ve called in a heads-up on what they need to expect on the job. They would prefer to hear a briefing from you directly, but Briar and I have spoken to Duke, the team lead, and he has given us the go-ahead to relay the information to him. If you don’t want us to do that, we don’t have to, but I thought maybe it would be easier for you,” Clover says.

Sadie’s face blanches. “How much detail do you need?”

“Enough for us to best protect you if need be,” I answer, squeezing her hand again.

She exhales. “How many domestic abuse cases have you handled before?”

“A few,” Clover confirms. “All of which have been handled differently depending on individual circumstances.”

“Thorne is possessive. He believes I’m his property and, since he’s the father of my baby, also thinks he has ownership of her. The pack is small. Thorne is lead alpha, and Sebastian follows him regardless of what he wants. Out of the two of them, it’s Thorne I worry most about. His temper makes him terrifying, but his ego is what sets him off. Once he sees there’s security keeping him from us. . .” She trails off, roughly biting her lip.

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